Page 8 - Jupiter West - October '24

Page 8, Jupiter West
Northern Notes

Gopher Tortoises areas is ideal for gopher tortoises. Gopher tortoises are
herbivorous and feed on low-growing plants. They may
By Katie Roundtree, drink water pooled after rainstorms, but most of their
Director of Finance and water needs are supplied from the plants they eat.
Administration, Northern Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises
Palm Beach County in preserves maintained by Northern within Abacoa and
Improvement District Botanica. Some of Abacoa’s preserves have trails within
Gopher tortoises are them where you may catch a glimpse of a tortoise.
one of five North American Northern’s environmental team works hard to maintain
tortoise species and one of these pristine natural lands so that native animals and
the oldest living species on plants can thrive for years to come.
the planet. They are the only Because gopher tortoises are protected in Florida,
tortoise found naturally handling and relocation of gopher tortoises is illegal unless
east of the Mississippi conducted under a valid permit issued by the Florida Fish
River. It is a state-designated threatened species in Florida and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). An FWC Fun fact: April 10 is Gopher Tortoise Day! On this day
and is found in parts of all 67 Florida counties. The relocation permit must be obtained before disturbing every year we raise awareness and appreciation for the gopher
gopher tortoise is about nine to eleven inches long when burrows and conducting construction activities. Lucas tortoise and all the benefits they provide to the ecosystem.
fully grown and is a tan, brown or gray color. Juveniles Schaffer, Northern’s environmental manager, has taken You can help celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day by hosting an
tend to be lighter brown and yellow-orange. Once they courses and is certified as a Gopher Tortoise Authorized event in your community, asking your local city or county
reach adulthood, they can live almost 90 years! They are Agent. As such, he is allowed by the FWC to survey, trap, commission to formally adopt April 10 as Gopher Tortoise
identifiable by their stumpy, elephant-like hind feet and transport and relocate tortoises as necessary. Day, and educating others on the importance of protecting
flattened, shovel-like forearms covered in thick scales. It is illegal to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises; gopher tortoises. Or simply admire a gopher tortoise from a
These shovel-like forearms are used to dig extensive however, if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC distance and observe how they get around!
burrows for homes. grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the NPDES tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs
As their name insinuates, gopher tortoises spend almost road in the same direction as it was heading as long as it is or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can
80 percent of their time in burrows. Burrows average about safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to another wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the
15 feet long and about 6 1/2 feet deep. Gopher tortoises location or put it in a car, as this constitutes illegal possession. swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.
are ectotherms which depend on their environment to If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact a local wildlife Photos by Lucas Schaffer, NPBCID
maintain their body temperature. Their burrows help rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, at (561) 575-
maintain a stable temperature and protect them from 3399 for assistance. Source: myfwc.org.
extreme temperatures and fire. Here in South Florida,
they are active all year round. In contrast, in colder parts
of Florida, they remain in their burrows during cold
winter months. Gopher tortoises are keystone species Peripheral
because their burrows
provide shelter and provide Neuropathy?
refuge for more than 350
other species, such as
burrowing owls, mice,
indigo snakes, rabbits, FREE Consultation
opossums, foxes, gopher
frogs and invertebrates. for Acupuncture
Because of their
burrowing needs, they
prefer well-drained, sandy
soils in habitats such as longleaf pine sandhills, scrub,
pine flatwoods, dry prairies and coastal dunes. They are
also found in urban areas, as many of their natural habitats
have been developed by humans. A habitat with well- 561-745-1002
drained soil, abundant plants to forage, and open sunny
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